Elizabethan Collars (Cones) An Elizabethan collar (or e-collar) is a flexible plastic cone that fits around your pet’s neck following surgery. Its purpose is to prevent damage to surgical wounds.
Why does my pet need to wear a cone?
Cats and dogs will attempt to lick, scratch, and bite wounds after surgery. This should always be avoided as it can lead to pain, injury, delayed healing, and secondary infections.
Although cones may appear uncomfortable, they are vital for post-surgical recovery and most pets adapt well to wearing them.
How long should the cone be kept on?
Following surgery, your pet’s cone should be kept on until their wounds have fully healed and all sutures have been removed.
Cones are designed to be left on at all times. We recommend against removing them to reduce the risk of wounds becoming damaged or infected. Keeping the cone on will also allow your pet to adapt to it more easily.
How can I help my pet when they are wearing a cone?
Remove obstacles around the home and avoid allowing your pet outdoors alone to reduce the risk of accidents and injury. You may also find it helpful to provide shallow food and water dishes to make it easier for your pet to eat and drink when wearing a cone.
Check the cone periodically to make sure it’s not irritating your pet’s skin, and wipe with a damp cloth to keep it clean and free of debris.
Are there any alternatives to standard cones?
The standard cone provided by your veterinarian is designed to be suitable for most pets. If your pet cannot adapt to their cone, other options such as inflatable collars or cloth cones are available online.
Please speak to your veterinarian before choosing an alternative option to ensure that it is suitable for your pet.
